Boulder Building Performance - Resources

Buildings smaller than 50,000 sf can satisfy the Level I energy assessment requirement through the free PACE energy assessment offering. Buildings 50,000 sf and larger must provide the capital to complete a Level II assessment. To help offset these costs, the city is offering early adopter incentives for buildings required to complete a Level II energy assessment. 

Rebates Available

• 2016-2017: Up to 30 percent total cost
• 2018: Up to 20 percent total cost
• 2019: Up to 10 percent total cost

Rebates will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis subject to funding availability. 

Customer Process

1. Obtain project bids and select your service provider.
2. Complete the rebate application and attach the service quote from the provider you select. Submit the application and service quote to the city to reserve your rebate funds.
3. Complete the Level II energy assessment with the selected service provider.
4. Work with the service provider to complete the required reporting to ensure compliance with the Building Performance Ordinance for the energy assessment requirement. 
5. Submit a copy of the paid invoice to the city and request rebate payment. The city will confirm the required information has been submitted for compliance with the energy assessment requirement and will issue payment of the rebate based on the date and amount of the final invoice. 

Owners must use a qualified service provider to complete the Level II energy assessments. 

Please view all Terms and Conditions as outlined in the rebate application. 

Building owners looking to perform retrocommissioning (RCx) on their building can benefit from Xcel Energy's programs.

For buildings < 50,000 sf , Xcel Energy's Building Tune-Up Program requires the owner to pay a set fee to receive the tune-up, currently between $250 and $1,000. Building owners must use Xcel Energy's contractor to participate in this program.

For buildings >= 50,000 sf , Xcel Energy's RCx Study Program covers up to 75 percent of the cost of the study (capped at $25,000). The program requires preapproval but once preapproved, building owners can use any service provider accepted by Xcel Energy.

Remember, building owners must use a qualified service provider for the purpose of complying with the Building Performance Ordinance. If a building owner participates in an Xcel Energy program to comply with RCx, they must ensure the service provider they work with is also listed on the City of Boulder's qualified list. 

C-PACE is an innovative financing mechanism that helps commercial, industrial and multi-family property owners access affordable, long-term financing for energy upgrades to their buildings. C-PACE allows building owners to finance (for up to 25 years) qualifying energy efficiency and clean energy improvements through a voluntary assessment on their property tax bill. Property owners pay for the improvements over time through this additional charge on their property tax bill, and the repayment obligation transfers automatically to the next owner if the property is sold. Capital provided under the C-PACE program is secured by a lien on the property, so low-interest capital can be raised from the private sector.

EnergySmart rebates, incentives and tax credits are available. In addition, the city has added funds to develop new custom rebates for measures identified in the ordinance-required energy assessments, which will be available in 2016. For more information, call 303-441-1300.

Solar Rebates. Boulder residents and businesses that have installed solar electric or solar thermal (hot water) systems on their property may be eligible for a sales and use tax rebate. The city may rebate approximately 15 percent of the city sales and use tax paid on materials and permits for the solar installation. To be eligible, taxpayers must file a rebate application within 12 months of the city's final inspection.

Solar Grants. The city provides grants for the installation of solar electric and solar thermal(hot water) systems for: facilities of site-based nonprofit organizations and nonprofit organizations that lease city-owned facilities; low- or moderate-income housing owned by nonprofit organizations; and individual residences that are part of an affordable housing program. These grants will only apply to buildings owned by nonprofits or leased by nonprofits with lease terms of twenty years or longer. Grants are issued twice a year and applications are excepted on a rolling basis. Applications for the fall grant cycle are due by Nov. 2, 2015. There is no maximum grant amount; however, in most cases, no more than 50 percent of the total project cost after rebates, incentives and tax credits will be granted. Grants are subject to funding availability. Income tax must be paid on the grant amount for the year received. 

Elevations Energy Loans. Energy Smart and Elevations Credit Union are working together to offer a wide range of low-interest loans for a variety of energy efficiency and renewable energy upgrades.

Clean Energy Credit Union offers loans for solar electric systems, clean energy vehicles and energy efficiency home improvements. 

Xcel Energy can help you re you reduce your energy use, maximize efficiencies, and minimize your costs by providing a wide variety of energy efficiency, expertise, and rebate programs. These include: lighting efficiency; heating and cooling efficiency; motors efficiency; and custom efficiency (for energy-efficiency investments that exceed standard options but are not covered under standard conservation programs).